Fifty CGI members took part in the 2013 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, raising more $130,000 for cancer research and treatment. CGI Founder and Executive Chairman Serge Godin also served as co-chair of the event.
More than 1,700 bikers participated, completing a two-day trek from Montreal to Quebec City on July 6-7, a 143-mile ride (230 km). Together, the bikers raised more than $6 million.
In the past five years that the event has been held in Montreal, more than $32 million has been raised. The money raised goes to the Jewish General Hospital’s Segal Cancer Center to fund research and care across Quebec. Last year, CGI members raised $150,000 through their participation (read article).
“My husband, Stuart, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer in October 2011,” shared Wendy Carruthers, a finance director at CGI who participated in this year’s event.
“On the day of his diagnosis, Stuart saw a poster in the hospital advertising the Ride to Conquer Cancer. He said, ‘I’m going to get well so I can do that ride.’ Thankfully, 21 months later, he was able to achieve his goal and complete the ride.”
As part of their fundraising, Wendy and Stuart made a video to tell Stuart’s story. “In the video, we explain how we create 90-day plans to ensure the time between Stuart’s CT scans is filled with lots of positive things to do,” said Wendy.
As a result of the video, the couple was interviewed on the Global Morning News, a local Montreal TV program. With so many people affected by cancer, the show wanted to talk about the Ride to Conquer Cancer and the positive impact of creating 90-day plans.
“Participating in this year’s ride was a tremendous experience for us,” said Wendy. “It very emotional and also extremely satisfying to raise funds and give something back to the hospital that continues to look after my husband so well.”
“CGI is proud to be a supporter of the Ride to Conquer Cancer,” said Jean-Marie Yelle, a vice president in CGI’s Quebec office and co-captain of the CGI team for the past two years. “Cancer affects so many lives, and as a company, we can help those who are battling it through community events such as this. We feel an obligation to do our part, and we hope to continue to support the ride in the years ahead.”
